Private : Margarites village-Arkadi Monastery-Patsos Gorge

Private : Margarites village-Arkadi Monastery-Patsos Gorge

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Have a tour through Cretan Nature,Culture,History and gastronomy. Explore one of the most beautiful villages, learn about the island's history and religion, taste some of the best cretan wines, enjoy a walk through the amazing Patsos gorge.

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Highlights

Discover Margarites village, its extraordinary architecture and lovely narrow streets
Watch the demonstration of traditional pottery making
Admire the remarkable scenery of Arkadi monastery and learn about its history
Taste some of the best local Wines and get a tour in Kourkoulos winery
Explore the Patsos gorge, its natural beauty and its rich flora and fauna

Description

A small beautiful village We will start our tour by visiting a beautiful well-hidden village, Margarites. The tradition of pottery has been an integral part of this village for many generations; there are lots of locals who still keep the tradition alive, up to this day, by transforming the traditional practice of pottery into modern art. In Margarites, we will meet our friend Yorgos, a local, who will show you how the pots are hand thrown. The village itself has a unique architecture and some lovely narrow winding streets, making it worth being explored. Feel the sanctity of Arkadi After a 25' drive, we will continue to the religious and historical part of our tour. The goal is to become familiar with the Cretan culture and its religious customs. The Arkadi monastery is perhaps the best known monastery in Crete, due to its history of the Holocaust in 1866. However, its location and impressive architecture make it all more special. For everyone who visits the Arkadi monastery, the feeling is unique; serene and quiet, but also emotionally powerful. We will escort you to explore this magnificent monument, discuss about the history and less-known stories, but, since our guides are not official state guides, it is forbidden for them to give tours inside historical monuments. If you wish to have an official history guide, we will be happy to book one for you upon communication! A family winery Just before we reach the Gorge of Patsos we will get the chance to visit one of the best wineries of the region. A small family-run winery, surrounded by vineyards and a magnificent view, Kourkoulou winery is a real gem. Local vine varieties cultivated by hte father Kourkoulo, fermented and vinificated by his daughter. Wine runs deep into this family's veins. The winery is really small and modern with a beautiful view of the surrounding area and a comfortable tasting room. After you get a tour of the winery you will get the chance to taste the family wines along with some Cretan delicacies. Let’s explore the nature of Crete Next up, is the gorge of Patsos. A small yet magnificent gorge, which begins at Ano Assites, is the necessary part to complete this excursion. The whole area around the gorge is of particular natural beauty. In the gorge, we can see rare species of flora and fauna, which are protected by the European legislation. As we walk onto the beautiful path, we will meet the attraction of the cavernous church of St. Anthony inside the rocky walls, which used to be a former temple of Hermes.During the biggest part of our hike, there is enough shadow and water to keep us cool; also, the feeling of walking under so many trees and next to running waters is unique! It is up to you to pick your favorite place to have a pic-nic with the best Cretan snacks and some wine or raki.When we decide to return, we follow the same path and end up at the starting point of the gorge.

Includes

Hotel pick up and drop off (Only Rethymno district) English or French speaking guide Local driver / guide Transport by air-conditioned car / mini bus Entrance to the monastery Learn about the history and religion of Crete Walk in the beautiful gorge of Patsos Winery tour and wine tasting Pic-nic(vegetarian option included) All taxes, fees and handling charges Lots of raki and laughter :)